Research Methods

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

1. identify a research question
2. propose a hypothesis
3. choose a research measurement and design
4. draw conclusions

Question 2

Questionnaires

Answer 2

open-ended or closed-question format (Likert-Scale)

Question 3

What are the strengths/weaknesses of Questionnaires?

Answer 3

strengths = many people can be tested quickly
- collects large amounts of data about people’s thoughts and actions
- convenient
- shows changes in behavior after the event occurs

weaknesses = social desirability (people say what they think looks good)
- people lie
- researcher’s presence affects results
- different interpretations of questions

Question 4

What are the strengths/weaknesses of interviews?

Answer 4

strengths = detailed info can be collected and avoids simplification of questions
- casual nature may encourage openness

weaknesses = difficult to analyze
- expensive and time-consuming
- possible interviewer effects (race, gender)

Question 5

Observation

Answer 5

watching the behavior of humans or animals w/out researcher manipulation

Question 6

What are the strengths/weaknesses of Observation?

Answer 6

strengths = more natural behavior is observed
- study animal behavior that cannot be expressed in captivity
- situations are not artificially set up

weaknesses = observed individs may change behavior if conscious of the study
- difficult to replicate
- needs more than 1 observer

Question 7

Biological Measures

Answer 7

broad category including all measures of bio structuce/function
- EEG, MRI, heart rate, hormones, genetics

Question 8

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Biological Measures?

Answer 8

strengths = more objective; replicative/precise

weaknesses = expensive; doesn’t consider content/environment

Question 9

Experimental Studies

Answer 9

manipulates a variable

Question 10

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Experimental Studies?

Answer 10

strengths = controlled; easy to replicate; cheaper; less time-consuming

weaknesses = artificial environment; low external validity; experimenter’s bias

Question 11

Natural Experiment Studies

Answer 11

adoption, natural disasters, pre/post-law passing

Question 12

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Natural Experiment Studies?

Answer 12

strengths = less chance of demand characteristics or experimenter bias interfering

weaknesses = IV is not controlled; no control over allocation of participants
- rare/unusual circumstances

Question 13

Correlational Studies

Answer 13

observing and recording behavior and development w/out manipulating variables

Question 14

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Correlational Studies?

Answer 14

strengths = results can lead to more specific experiments; can be easier and nonexpensive

weaknesses = correlation does NOT equal causation

Question 15

Case Studies

Answer 15

a study focused on 1 person

Question 16

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Longitudinal Studies?

Answer 16

strengths = allows insight into cause-and-effect relationships; repeated observations of the same individs; eliminates recall bias

weaknesses = time-consuming and expensive; attrition (kids back out)

Question 16

Longitudinal Studies

Answer 16

following a group of individs over several years/decades to track their development and changes

Question 17

Cross-Sectional Studies

Answer 17

compares individs of different ages at a single point in time to examine age-related differences in development

Question 18

what are the strengths/weaknesses of Cross-Sectional Studies?

Answer 18

strengths = less time-consuming and expensive; no attrition bias

weaknesses = correlations are harder to interpret and eliminate the ability to assume cause-and-effect

Question 19

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Answer 19

overviews research at universities, hospitals, and other institutions

Question 20

what are the principles of research?

Answer 20

1. informed consent/voluntariness (no deception or coercion)
2. patients know the risks and benefits (confidentiality, sample section)

Question 21

Belmont Report

Answer 21

set of ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects
1. respect for persons
2. beneficence
3. justice